Letlow, Balderson offer bipartisan Electronic Prescribing for Controlled Substances Act

Toward reducing prescription drug misuse and combating the nation’s opioid epidemic, U.S. Reps. Julia Letlow (R-LA) and Troy Balderson (R-OH) offered bipartisan legislation that would require electronic prescriptions for all Schedule II-IV controlled substances, including opioids.

“The opioid epidemic has ravaged communities everywhere, especially in Ohio,” Rep. Balderson said on Feb. 28. “This legislation will help stop misuse and abuse of opioids from the outset and protect the well-being of patients across the country.”

“The deadly opioid epidemic has affected every community across the country,” added Rep. Letlow. “In order to curb opioid misuse and addiction we must take every step forward to save lives.” 

The members on Feb. 9 signed on as original cosponsors of the Electronic Prescribing for Controlled Substances Act, H.R. 7312, also known as the EPCS 2.0 Act. Sponsored by U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH), H.R. 7312 would provide requirements for electronic-prescribing for controlled substances under group health plans and group and individual health insurance coverage, according to the bill’s text.  

Specifically, H.R. 7312 would extend the requirement for Medicare providers to use electronic prescriptions for all Schedule II-IV controlled substances to private insurers, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.

The measure also includes protections for patients to choose their own pharmacies, as well as exceptions for pharmacies with difficulty accessing the internet and other technological barriers, the summary says.

“EPCS 2.0 will give prescribers the ability to electronically send accurate, error-free and understandable Schedule II-V controlled substance prescriptions directly to a pharmacy from the point-of-care,” said Rep. Letlow.

The congresswoman added that H.R. 7312 will “improve the quality of care for patients and increase visibility into physicians’ patterns of prescribing controlled substances to aid in the reduced chance of drug addiction.” 

“By mandating electronic prescriptions for controlled substances, including opioids, this legislation enhances patient safety, streamlines the existing prescription process, and enacts safeguards against abuse,” Rep. Balderson said.